by esther phinias | 17 July 2018 08:46 am07
Introduction: God Calls the Unlikely
The path you’ve walked—your victories, struggles, and testimonies—is more than enough proof that you’re qualified to serve God. Often, we think serving God requires formal qualifications or church titles, but throughout Scripture, God consistently calls the unlikely and equips the unqualified. One of the clearest examples of this is David, the shepherd boy who defeated a warrior giant.
I. David: A Shepherd with a Revelation of God
David’s story in 1 Samuel 17 is not just a tale of bravery—it is a theological revelation about faith, divine calling, and the sovereignty of God.
David, the youngest son of Jesse, wasn’t even considered for battle. He was tending sheep while his older brothers were in Saul’s army. Yet when Israel faced the threat of Goliath, a Philistine warrior, David rose to the occasion—not with military training, but with faith in the living God.
1 Samuel 17:36–37 (ESV)
Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God. And David said, ‘The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
David wasn’t boasting in his strength; he was testifying to God’s faithfulness. The same God who rescued him in obscurity would now deliver him in public.
Spiritual Principle:
God uses your private victories to prepare you for public assignments.
II. Man Looks at Credentials—God Looks at the Heart
Saul, Israel’s king, doubted David. From a human perspective, David didn’t fit the mold of a warrior. But God doesn’t use the world’s standards to choose His vessels.
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.
When we judge by appearance—age, education, or experience—we risk overlooking the power of faith, obedience, and divine calling. David didn’t need Saul’s armor (1 Samuel 17:38–39). Instead, he relied on the name of the Lord.
1 Samuel 17:45 (ESV)
Then David said to the Philistine, ‘You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.
Spiritual Principle:
Victory in God’s kingdom comes through faith, not formulas.
III. Expect Opposition—Even from Within
One of the most sobering truths in ministry is this: the people who discourage you most often won’t be unbelievers, but fellow believers. David’s own brothers mocked him.
1 Samuel 17:28 (ESV)
Eliab’s anger was kindled against David… and he said, ‘Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your presumption and the evil of your heart…
Today, many are told:
“Which Bible school did you attend?”
“Whose ministry did you serve under?”
“You’re too young in the faith.”
But just as David didn’t need human approval to be used by God, neither do you. The Holy Spirit is your teacher (John 14:26), and God’s anointing is what qualifies you.
1 John 2:27 (ESV)
But the anointing that you received from him abides in you… his anointing teaches you about everything…
Spiritual Principle:
Opposition doesn’t disqualify your calling—it often confirms it.
IV. The Battle Belongs to the Lord
David declared something profound before slaying Goliath:
1 Samuel 17:47 (ESV)
…For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand.
This echoes God’s promise throughout Scripture that He fights for His people:
Exodus 14:14 (ESV)
The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.
Romans 8:31 (ESV)
If God is for us, who can be against us?
David wasn’t fighting for personal glory—he was a vessel to show that God is alive and powerful in Israel.
V. God Often Uses the Least Expected
God delights in using the weak to shame the strong:
1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV)
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise… so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.
Jesus affirmed this divine reversal in His ministry:
Matthew 11:25 (ESV)
I thank you, Father… that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.
Matthew 20:16 (ESV)
So the last will be first, and the first last.
VI. Your Testimony is Your Weapon
David’s testimony wasn’t built in a classroom—it was forged in the wilderness, in secret battles, and private encounters with God. Likewise, your story—your trials, your deliverances—is your platform for ministry.
Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…
Spiritual Principle:
God will use your past battles as tools for your present calling.
Conclusion: Rise Like David
Don’t wait until you feel “ready” by the world’s standards. God is looking for willing hearts, not polished résumés. He’s not asking for your perfection—He’s asking for your obedience.
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV)
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
If you’ve felt the call of God—respond. Like David, step forward. Bring your testimony. Bring your faith. The same God who was with you in the wilderness will be with you in the battle.
Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the faith of David. Remind us that our past experiences with You are not wasted—they are preparation. Strengthen those who feel unqualified. Let us rise, not in our own strength, but in the name of the Lord of Hosts. Use us for Your glory, even when others doubt us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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